Seahawks focused on slowing down Frank Gore

As impressive as the fact the Seahawks have built one of the league’s dominant defenses has been their ability to frustrate opponents who tried to hit them different ways.

They pass-rushed the Packers to the point of distraction. They chased down Cam Newton from behind. They covered the Patriots downfield.

But this week, they have a familiar challenge, trying to slow down Frank Gore and the league’s leading running game.

Gore has more yards against the Seahawks than any other opponent, and the 49ers have the league’s best running game.

Of course, Gore’s 1,079 yards against the Seahawks have been a cumulative achievement, as they held him to 71 yards per game lsat year. But that doesn’t mean they’re not taking Thursday’s test seriously.

“You got to hit him hard and hit him early,” Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright said, via Eric Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune. “Let him know that it’s not going to be your day to get a bunch of running yards. We’re going to come out and set the tone, and make sure he doesn’t get rolling.”

That’s been easier said than done, and Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley stressed the importance of being disciplined.

“He hits the hole right where he needs to hit it every time, and he’s going 100 miles per hour every time,” Bradley said. “And if you’re not in your gap, . . . he has the ability to break a big one at any time.

“They do so many things offensively, and you’re trying to jockey some guys around so you’re in the right leverage and the right position, but you always have that in the back of your mind. If you try to do that too much, are you giving him enough of a space to where he can break a big one?”

The Seahawks are feeling good after last week’s win over the Patriots, but if they can keep Gore and the league’s best running game from doing what they do best, that may be the biggest statement to date.

21 responses to “Seahawks focused on slowing down Frank Gore”

At the risk of invoking “announcer’s karma” (the phenomenon whereby the moment someone calling a game mentions that something has never happened before, it then happens), Gore has never had a 100 yard game against Seattle when Brandon Mebane is playing. In 2009, Mebane was out and Tatupu got hurt during the first game between the teams, and Gore had two 80 yard runs up the gut on his way to a 200-plus yard day. In the rematch, both defenders were healthy, and he had only 24 yards.

If you’re watching tomorrow night, and want a Seattle defender to focus on, watch Mebane. He’s having an outstanding year so far, he’s been getting tremendous push against the run, and he may even deserve your Pro Bowl vote.

Being a Niners fan, I admit Niners fans talk a lot of smack, even to the point of annoying..but Seattle fans are the worst. They act like they’ve won a super bowl. That being said, I expect this game to be close and a defensive game. Seattle 14 San Francisco 17

This is going to be be a tough fought division game with 2 of the top 5 defenses in the league. Both defenses can take away the offenses strength which is running the ball. I think its going to come down onto which QB can convert on third downs and turnovers. We are missing Moffit again at RG but is their LT Staley playing? That is a huge factor for them in protection. Seahawks 20 and 49ers 17. Go Hawks!

This is gonna be a hard hitting defensive battle of field position, I hope the refs let them play and don’t call too many penalties, hawks special teams is much better than san frans so far, that will be the difference sea 19 sf 17

When the Seahawks are on offense, the 49ers will be completely focused on Marshawn Lynch. They will probably run 8 in the box initially. If they do, Wilson is going to have to hit some–preferably Doug Baldwin over the middle and Zach Miller on quick slants (because with 8 in the box, that will be very open). We’re going to have to hit the passing game to open up the run.

This is going to be fun to watch. A hard hitting slugfest between two defensive heavyweights in prime time . divisional games are the best. I believe the hawks have to score early to win, make Alex Smith play from behind, and rw must take some shots deep in the early drives. i hope bevell comes with more creative playcalling like the ne game because sf is going to focus on lynch. if sea can get ahead with the pass, lynch can rush , and rw can utilize the play action. This looks like a battle of ball control.They also must win the special teams battle, as sf won last year because of 2 Kyle Williams punt returns. Battle for the top spot. Go hawks!

Yeah, cause he’s freaking Tom Brady and he’s kinda good at throwing a football. That game said alot more about him than it did the Hawks secondary. They completely shut down eery other QB they faced this year so I think they can get a pass for letting in some yards but holding them 10 points under their average AND getting the win.

Don’t nit pick, both Sea and S.F. are pretty damn good on D. Please follow up with this topic after S.F. secondary faces Brady.

Old school smash mouth football. The NFC west will officially take the crown as the TOUGHEST division not only record wise but physically after TNF. They teams give a** whoopins and take names. This rivalry is about to explode in years to come with both teams up and coming (49ers are a year ahead but still havnt been up long enough)
I expect the closest thing to a slugfest out there. Hard hits. Smash mouth runs. Exciting special teams! I wouldnt be surprised if there was a fight before or after. These teams Hate each other but with a mutual respect (Sounds weird)!
Great primetime game
*SEA 17 SF 14

Being a Niners fan, I admit Niners fans talk a lot of smack, even to the point of annoying..but Seattle fans are the worst.
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I disagree. Many 49er fans make us all look bad, even the worst, with all the name calling online and all the disgraceful acts of hate at our beautiful stadium. I love when our team wins, but when we have stabbings and our coach is a jerk, to me, it isn’t worth it.

We as 49fan should be head of the class because of our tradition. Most of those on here and on the team were little kids last time we won a SB. No idea of history or tradition. Sad.

As a 49er fan, if we’re being honest, Gore isn’t the same guy who rushed for 200+ in a game against Seattle not to long ago. I would be shocked if he got passed 100 tonight. The 49ers might rush for a 100 yards, but it will have to come from Hunter, Kap, and a WR on an end around as well.

Usually the games against Seattle are the ones I’m most worked about but I’m hoping the 49ers loss last week will make sure they take this game seriously and don’t overlook a really solid defense.

If I set my 49er bias aside, I’m interested to see how Wilson plays against one of the better defenses in the league. Personally, I think one of the best ways to judge the potential of a rookie QB is if he can keep his team competitive in tough games (like a talented division opponent on the road).